?Introduction “any chronic ailment that occurs as a result of work or occupational activity” It is called when it is more prevalent in a given body of workers Should be distinguishable from injuries due to workplace hazards Some Numbers… WHO – 100 million occupational injuries e 0. 1 million deaths in the world India e 17 million occupational non-fatal injuries (17% of the world) & 45,000 fatal injuries (45% of the total deaths due to occupational injuries in world) annually 11 million cases of occupational diseases in the world e 1.
9 million cases (17%) contributed by India Of 0. 7 million deaths in the world, 0. 12 (17%) from India Adverse occupational factors have been estimated to cost 2-14% of the gross national products for various countries Classification I. Diseases due to physical agents: Heat: Heat hyperpyrexia, heat exhaustion Cold: Trench foot, frost bite Light: Occupational cataract, miner’s nystagmus Pressure: Caisson disease, air embolism, blast (explosion) Noise: Occupational deafness Radiation: Cancer, leukaemia, aplastic anaemia, pancytopenia II.
Diseases due to chemical agents: Gases: Gas poisoning Pneumoconiosis Metals and their compounds: Chemicals & Solvents III. Diseases due to biological agents: Leptospirosis, anthrax, actinomycosis, tetanus IV. Occupational cancer: Cancer of skin, lungs, bladder V. Occupational dermatosis: Dermatitis, eczema VI. Diseases of psychological origin: Industrial neurosis, hypertension, peptic ulcer, etc. Occupational Dermatitis Inflammation of the skin caused by exposure to a substance in the workplace.
Exposure usually occurs from direct contact but may, in rare circumstances, occur through the airborne route Allergic contact dermatitis – when a person becomes sensitized to a substance (allergen) Irritant contact dermatitis when the skin is exposed to a mild irritant (such as detergent or solvents) repeatedly over a long period of time or to a strong irritant (such as acids, alkalis, solvents, strong soaps, or cleansing compounds) that can cause immediate skin damage.
Pneumoconiosis chronic lung disease caused due to the inhalation of various forms of dust particles, particularly in industrial workplaces, for an extended period of time Shortness of breath, wheezing and chronic coughing are some of the symptoms Prevention Methods Medical Methods such as periodic examinations, preplacement examinations, working environment supervision and health education.
Notification, maintenance and analysis of records, and counselling are also steps towards prevention. Engineering Measures such as proper design of plant, ventilation, dust isolation through enclosure and isolation, and protective devices. Legislative protection like the Factories Act of 1948 and the Employees State Insurance Act of 1948.